Rakaposhi cricket tournament showcases true beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan

Played at world’s highest natural stadium, event aims to promote peace among people of Diamer, Hunza and Nagar

GILGIT:

In Gilgit-Baltistan's Pissan Nagar, the world's highest natural stadium played host to the inaugural Rakaposhi cricket tournament on Tuesday which attracted hundreds of spectators and participants from various regions.

The two-day event, organised by the local community and supported by the government, aimed to promote peace and festivity among the people of Diamer, Hunza and Nagar districts, who have been living in harmony for centuries.

The tournament featured six teams, two from each district, competing in a round-robin format. The top two teams will play the final on Wednesday.

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The tournament also celebrated the rich and diverse culture of Gilgit-Baltistan, featuring performances of the Shaman dance, a traditional ritual dance of the region, and exhibitions showcasing local products like handicrafts, dried fruits, and honey.

The Pissan natural stadium, located at the foot of the majestic Rakaposhi mountain, offered a spectacular view of the surroundings. The stadium stands at an elevation of 8,400 feet above sea level, making it the highest natural cricket ground in the world.

Known as the “mother of mists”, Rakaposhi ranks as the 27th-highest peak globally and the 12th-highest in Pakistan. It stands out as one of the most captivating peaks in the Karakoram range, visible from numerous locations in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The organisers of the tournament, headed by Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Wani, said that they wanted to highlight the potential of the region as a tourist destination, and to encourage the youth to engage in healthy and positive activities.

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They also expressed their gratitude to the government and the security forces for their support and cooperation in making the event a success.

The tournament has garnered widespread appreciation from both locals and visitors, who relish the exciting matches and cultural presentations.

They also praised the initiative as a way of strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and friendship among the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.